Valpo Parks Offers Creative Learning Programs Aimed to Jump-Start Career Success Early

Valpo Parks Offers Creative Learning Programs Aimed to Jump-Start Career Success Early

Throughout the next year,Valpo Parks is hosting several events focusing on S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and S.T.E.A.M (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) styles of learning. The programs are made with a focus on improving children’s comprehension on these subjects as well as introducing them to new ways of problem solving.

All across the country organizations are putting a greater focus on programs that highlight these subjects in an attempt to bridge the gender and pay gaps that women and minorities face in S.T.E.M and S.T.E.A.M fields. And with the job market in these fields growing,it remains a key to helping the next generation get on the right path to success.Education-ValpoParks-STEMProgram2

The first of these programs offered by the Valpo Parks Department is Bricks 4 Kidz (ages 3-5) which offers kids a hands-on opportunity to work with LEGO products. Children will be given specifically designed kits and themed based models to build from with a focus on problem solving to help them along the way. The current class for this project to start on March 2nd and runs to the 23rd with the next round of classes beginning on April 6th.

Older kids also have the chance to enroll in Bricks 4 Kidz Elementary (ages 5 – 12) which includes a hands-on curriculum that introduces them to the concepts of architecture and engineering by models made by people in those fields. Students interested can sign up for the next class which starts on April 12th.

For those interested in a more S.T.E.A.M focuses approach the Origami and S.T.E.A.M classes will also be offered this year. Designed for students grades 2nd – 5th, be they a novice or a pro, the class aims to highlight all aspects of the S.T.E.A.M system for everyone. If you’re interested in learning origami the cut off day to register is April 13th with classes beginning that following week on the 18th.

For more information on these programs, as well as a host of others offered this year, check out this years Valpo Parks activity guide or their website for more info.